The Pros and Cons of Ford 8.8 vs 9 Inch Rear Ends: Deciding Which Is Best for You

The Ford 8.8 rear end offers better performance than the 9 inch, but the 9 inch offers more durability and strength.

Ford 8.8 Rear End Vs. 9

The Ford 8.8 rear end and the 9 inch rear end each have their pros and cons. The 8.8 inch is lighter and can be used with a number of different engines, while the 9 inch is heavier but incredibly rugged and reliable. The 8.8 has a standard 28-spline pinion design, which offers better gear contact and longer gear life than its predecessors, as well as a choice of gear ratios for specific applications. The 9 inch is recognized as having nearly bulletproof reliability with stronger components, improved ease of installation, and much more versatility than the 8.8 with up to 35 splines for differential power transfer that are not available in the 8.8’s design. In addition, the 9 inch offers up to five different gear configurations which allow you to choose exactly the type of performance you need from your vehicle and to easily swap out later

Ford 8.8 Rear End

The Ford 8.8 Rear End is a popular choice for truck and SUV applications, as it offers many benefits to performance, durability, and overall value. The 8.8 ring gear diameter is larger than other rear-end options, which makes it more capable of handling higher levels of torque and power. It also provides greater strength with its thicker axle shafts, allowing for more aggressive off-road use or hauling heavy loads.

Pros:
Greater Strength – Thicker axle shafts provide added strength for more aggressive off-road use or hauling heavy loads
Larger Ring Gear Diameter – More capable of handling higher levels of torque and power
Cost Effective – Generally cheaper than aftermarket options
Cons:
Weight – Heavier than some other rear end options
Limited Availability – Not available in all vehicles

Ford 9 Rear End

The Ford 9 Rear End is the most popular option for muscle cars, street rods, and racecars since it offers a wide range of benefits. It has a larger ring gear diameter than the 8.8 option and is made from a stronger material which allows it to handle more power without sacrificing strength or durability. It also offers better articulation during cornering compared to other rear-end options due to its unique design.

Pros:
Larger Ring Gear Diameter More capable of handling higher levels of torque and power
Stronger Material Does not sacrifice strength or durability when handling higher power levels
Better Articulation Unique design offers better cornering capabilities
Cons:
Weight Heavier than some other rear end options
Cost Generally more expensive than aftermarket options

Dimensions Comparison

When comparing the two rear ends based on their dimensions, there are several key differences between them to consider. The wheel base dimension is the same between both the Ford 8.8 and 9 rear ends (58). However, the width dimension varies slightly with the Ford 9 being slightly wider at 58 3/4″. This difference in width could impact some vehicles that have limited clearance or tight wheel wells when installing either option.

Differential Components

When comparing the differential components between both models, there are several differences worth noting. The bearings used in each are different sizes (7/8″ vs 1″ respectively) as well as the seals used (7/16″ vs 1/4″). Additionally, both feature different gear ratios ranging from 2:86:1 to 4:10:1 depending on your application requirements as well as different ring & pinion sets depending on your specific needs.

Compatibility Factors

Since both rear ends are compatible with different vehicles, it’s important to consider which option will fit your particular vehicle before making your final decision. The Ford 8.8 Rear End is compatible with many late model cars such as Mustangs and F150s while the 9 Inch Rear end can be found in classic muscle cars such as Chevelles, Camaros, Corvettes and Challengers among others. Depending on your driving style or application you may find one option better suited for your needs over another so research into compatibility should be done before making a purchase decision either way.

Ford 8.8 Rear End Vs 9

When it comes to comparing Ford 8.8 and 9 differentials, there are a few key factors that need to be taken into consideration. Quality and durability comparison, visual comparison of the two differentials, and customized upgrade options available are some of the main points to consider when comparing these two rear ends.

Quality and Durability Comparison

The quality and durability of the axle shafts is an important factor when comparing Ford 8.8 vs 9 differentials. The strength of the axle shafts can be tested by measuring the amount of torque that can be applied without breaking or causing damage to the shafts. Similarly, the strength of the housing structure can also be tested by measuring how much force it can withstand before becoming damaged or deformed.

Visual Comparison Of Both Differentials

The angular shapes of each differential is a key factor in determining which one is better, as angular shapes tend to provide greater stability and strength than curved shapes. Additionally, size differences between each differential are also important when determining which one is better as larger diameter axles tend to provide greater stability and strength than smaller ones. Finally, color variants between each differential should also be considered as this can help differentiate between them for identification purposes.

Customized Upgrades Options Available

For those looking for more performance from their rear end, there are a variety of customized upgrade options available for both Ford 8.8 and 9 differentials – performance kits for each differential being among them. These performance kits typically include items such as upgraded axle shafts and housings which can help improve overall stability and performance on track days or off-road trips alike.

Price Of Ford 8.8 Vs 9 Differentials

When it comes to pricing both Ford 8.8 vs 9 differentials, standard parts costs will vary depending on where they are purchased from but usually range anywhere from $150-400 USD depending on what you need for your specific application. Custom parts costs will generally run higher due to needing more specific components but they are still reasonably priced compared to other aftermarket options available on the market today.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is a Ford 8.8 Rear End?
A: The Ford 8.8 is a semi-floating axle type rear differential used for the rear end of many vehicles, such as the Mustang and F-150 pickup truck. It has a ring gear diameter of 8.8 inches, and uses a variety of components to transfer power from the driveshaft to the wheels.

Q: What is a Ford 9 Inch Rear End?
A: The Ford 9 inch is an axle type differential that was used in many vehicles from the 1960s through 1980s, such as the Mustang and F-150 pickup truck. It has a ring gear diameter of 9 inches, and uses various components to transfer power from the driveshaft to the wheels.

Q: What are some differences between Ford 8.8 Rear End and 9 Inch Rear End?
A: There are several differences between these two differentials. The 8.8 has a smaller wheel base dimension than the 9 inch, but it’s width dimension is larger than that of the 9 inch. Additionally, the 8.8 uses smaller bearings and seals compared to those found on the 9 inch, while they both use gears and ring & pinion sets for power transfer purposes.

Q: What are some compatibility factors between Ford 8.8 Rear End and 9 Inch Rear End?
A: The 8.8 rear end is compatible with vehicles such as Mustangs, F-150 pickup trucks, Raptors, Broncos, Crown Victorias, Town Cars, and Mercury Grand Marquis models ranging from 1979 to 2011 (depending on model). Meanwhile, vehicles that are compatible with the 9 inch include Mustangs from 1964 to 1973; 19651979 F-100 pickup trucks; 19661977 Bronco; 19671979 Cougar; 19661977 Fairlane; 19681979 Maverick/Comet; 19681973 Torino; 19781979 LTD II/LTD/Ranchero; 19671979 Thunderbird/Cougar XR7; 19711977 Pinto/Bobcat; 19741978 Monarch/Versaille/LTD II/LTD III/Marauder/Grand Marquis models ranging from 1975 to 1982 (depending on model).

Q: What are some quality differences between Ford 8.8 Rear End and 9 Inch Rear End?
A: The axles shafts of both differentials have comparable strength levels but slight variations in terms of durability may exist due to design differences in their housing structures between one another while both have been proven reliable over time – depending on application conditions they might encounter during their lifespan such as off-roading or drag racing activities .

The Ford 8.8 rear end and 9 inch rear ends are two popular options for upgrading the rear end of a vehicle. The 8.8 is more widely available and easier to find, but the 9 inch is considered a higher-end option that offers superior strength and durability. Ultimately, it depends on your budget and what you plan to use the vehicle for when choosing between an 8.8 or 9 inch rear end for your Ford vehicle.